Ablation needle guide

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to systems and devices for positioning and placing multiple electrodes in a target surgical site. A guide block is disclosed which introduces electrodes into target tissue and includes an elongated, generally rectilinear bar having a plurality of slots defined therethrough. Each of the slots is configured to selectively receive and retain a corresponding electrode therein. The rectilinear bar is malleable and selectively bendable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially curved configuration to facilitate positioning the guide block relative to target tissue.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to ablation electrode systems and, more particularly, to systems, devices and methods for positioning and placing multiple electrodes in a target surgical site.

2. Background of Related Art

The use of radiofrequency electrodes for ablation of tissue in a patient's body is known. In a typical situation, a radiofrequency electrode comprising an elongated, cylindrical shaft with a portion of its external surface insulated is inserted into the patient's body. The electrode typically has an exposed conductive tip, which is used to contact body tissue in the region where the heat lesion or ablation is desired. The electrode is connected to a radiofrequency power source, which provides radiofrequency voltage to the electrode, which transmits the radiofrequency current into the tissue near its exposed conductive tip. This current usually returns to the power source through a concentric electrode in a bipolar system or through a reference electrode in a monopolar system. The reference electrode may comprise a large area conductive contact or pad connected to an external portion of the patient's body.

In some applications, e.g., wedge resections (segmentectomies) or tumor ablation procedures, multiple electrodes are inserted into the body in an array or partial array to enlarge ablation volumes and specifically define resection areas. For example, in some particular applications, arrays of high frequency electrodes are inserted into tumors and energized to create an ablation volume depending upon the particular positioning of the electrodes. The electrodes are typically placed in a dispersed fashion throughout the tumor volume to cover the tumor volume with uniform heat, typically above about 45° C. The electrodes may be sequentially applied with high frequency voltage so that each electrode heats in sequence its neighboring tissue and then shuts off. Then, the next electrode does the same in a time series. This sequence of cycling the voltage through the electrodes continues at a prescribed frequency and for a period of time until the tumor is ablated.

Desirably, a configuration of radiofrequency electrodes, which can accomplish ablation in the range of 4 to 6 cm diameter or greater for the purpose of adequately treating large cancerous tumors in the body are necessary to effectively destroy the tumor and combat cancerous cells from spreading. It is further necessary that such an electrode system involve a simple geometry, reduced numbers of tissue insertions, facilitate planning of needle placement, and facilitate planning of heat ablation geometry and distribution. Typically, an introducer is provided for this purpose and to facilitate the insertion of a “cluster” of electrodes into the body for performing tissue ablation. The introducer includes a body portion including one or more holes formed therein for selectively receiving a respective elongate shaft of the electrodes therethrough. The holes of the introducer orient and space each electrode relative to one another according to the geometry of the introducer.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to systems, devices and methods for positioning and placing multiple electrodes in a target surgical site.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure an electrode system is provided for use with a high frequency generator to induce coherent high frequency heat ablation volumes within targeted tissue of a patient. The electrode system includes a hub; and a plurality of electrodes. Each electrode includes a substantially rigid elongated shaft extending from the hub and terminating in a sealed distal end section having an exposed conductive tip portion configured to be inserted into the targeted tissue and adapted at a proximal end section to be coupled to a high frequency generator to simultaneously apply an equal output voltage to each of the exposed conductive tip portions. Each electrode further includes a closed-loop fluid communication channel pathway which includes an inflow opening adapted for connection to a coolant fluid supply, and a channel portion in fluid communication with the inflow opening. The channel; portion extends distally inside the conductive tip portion to carry coolant to the inside of the conductive tip portion and further extends proximally back to an outlet opening adapted to carry coolant away from the conductive tip portion.

The electrode system further includes a guide block for introducing electrodes into target tissue having an elongated, generally rectilinear bar including a plurality of slots defined therethrough. Each of the slots is configured to selectively receive and retain a corresponding electrode therein. The rectilinear bar is malleable and selectively bendable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially curved configuration to facilitate positioning the guide block relative to target tissue. One or more of the plurality of slots is disposed through the bar at an angle relative to the top and bottom surfaces of the rectilinear bar. Different slots may be disposed at different angles.

In one embodiment, the corresponding plurality of electrodes are simultaneously and/or sequentially activated to create an ablation plane or ablation plume. In another embodiment, one or more electrodes is selectively repositionable within the plurality of slots and simultaneously and/or sequentially activated to create an ablation plane or plume.

The present disclosure also relates to a guide block for introducing electrodes into target tissue including an elongated, generally rectilinear bar having a plurality of individual segments arranged in a nested series along a longitudinal axis defined therethrough. Each of the segments includes one or more slots defined therethrough configured to selectively receive and retain a corresponding electrode therein. Each segment includes one or more facets angled relative to a line normal to the longitudinal axis to allow each of the segments to rotate relative to an adjacent segment in the nested series and relative to the longitudinal axis. The communitive effect of each of the segments in the nested series rotating about the longitudinal axis allows the guide block to bend to at least a substantially circular configuration.

In one embodiment, each segment includes one or more slots disposed therethrough and a first interface and a second interface. The first interface is configured to matingly engage a distally adjacent segment of the plurality of segments and the second interface is configured to matingly engage a proximally adjacent segment of the plurality of segments. In another embodiment, each segment includes two opposing side facets disposed at a first angle and two opposing top and bottom facets disposed at a second angle. The side facets allows rotation of the guide block in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis and the top and bottom facets allow rotation of the guide block in a vertical direction relative to the longitudinal axis. One or more of the segments may include one or more slots disposed at various angles relative to the top and bottom surfaces through the segment.

In yet another embodiment a locking clip is included which selectively secures two adjacent segments of the plurality of segments in the nested configuration. In still another embodiment, at least two adjacent segments of the plurality of segments are secured in a friction-fit manner.

The present disclosure also relates to a guide block for introducing electrodes into tissue including an elongated, generally rectilinear bar having a plurality of slots defined therethrough. Each of the slots is configured to selectively receive and retain a corresponding electrode therein. At least a portion of the guide block is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator such that the portion of the guide block (e.g., the bottom surface of the guide block) returns electrical energy back to the generator. Each of the plurality of slots may include a dielectric material disposed along an inner periphery thereof and the bar may be malleable to facilitate positioning the guide block relative to target tissue.

In one embodiment, a reference element is disposed on the guide block (or on one or more of the plurality of individual segments) that is configured to orient the guide block relative to an imaging source such as an ultrasonic scanning head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, devices and methods are disclosed herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an electrosurgical system for use with an ablation needle guide according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of the ablation needle guide positioned atop a patient's organ for guiding heated ablation needles to a targeted tissue area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2B-2D are schematic views of a bendable ablation guide for use with various target tissue types;

FIGS. 3A-3C are perspective schematic views of another embodiment of an ablation needle guide according to the present disclosure having angled needle slots;

FIG. 4A is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a bendable ablation needle guide according to the present disclosure having a series of needle guide blocks arranged in a nested series with the needle holes centrally positioned within each ablation needle block;

FIG. 4B is a schematic side view of the ablation needle block of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a bendable ablation needle guide according to the present disclosure having a series of needle guide blocks arranged in a nested series with the two needle holes positioned within each ablation needle block;

FIG. 5B is a schematic side view of the ablation needle block of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a bendable ablation needle guide according to the present disclosure having a series of needle guide blocks arranged in a nested series with the needle hole being angled through each ablation needle block;

FIG. 6B is a schematic side view of the ablation needle block of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a bendable ablation needle guide according to the present disclosure having a series of needle guide blocks arranged in a nested series with two needle holes in each block, each needle hole of each block being angled through each ablation needle block at different a angle from the corresponding needle hole of each ablation needle block;

FIG. 7B is a schematic side view of the ablation needle block of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a bendable ablation needle guide similar to the embodiment of FIG. 7A with each ablation needle block including a centrally disposed needle hole in each block along with the angled needle holes;

FIG. 8B is a schematic side view of the ablation needle block of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of an ablation needle block according to the present disclosure including a locking clip for retaining each ablation needle block nested to an adjacent ablation needle block;

FIG. 10A is a schematic top view of another embodiment of an ablation needle block according to the present disclosure showing a series of nested ablation needle blocks each having an inner face with a first bend angle and an outer face with a second bend angle for bending the ablation needle guide at different angles in a transverse plane;

FIG. 10B is a schematic side view of the embodiment of FIG. 10A showing the top and bottom faces having different bend angles for bending the ablation needle guide at different angles in a vertical plane;

FIGS. 11A-11G are schematic views of another embodiments of an ablation needle block according to the present disclosure including a friction-fit interface between adjacent guide blocks and a locking system;

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of an ablation needle block according to the present disclosure wherein the needle guide block acts as an electrical return path and the needle holes are insulated therefrom by a dielectric material;

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of an ablation needle guide for guiding heated ablation needles to a targeted tissue area including a thermally conductive bottom surface to absorb heat during the ablation procedure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of an ablation needle guide for guiding heated ablation needles to a targeted tissue area including a cooling loop disposed therein for absorbing heat during the ablation procedure;

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of an ablation needle guide including a plurality of fins which extend outwardly from the bottom surface to absorb heat during the ablation procedure; and

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of an ablation needle guide having an audio feedback sensor for providing feedback to the generator relating to the status of the ablation procedure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an ablation electrode array system, in accordance with the present disclosure, is generally designated “E”. Electrode array system “E” includes a plurality of electrodes 1, 2 and 3, which are configured for insertion into an organ “OR” of a human body or any other body tissue. Respective distal tips 1 b, 2 b and 3 b of electrodes 1, 2 and 3 are typically un-insulated and conductively exposed so that electrical currents induce heating within the tissue or organ “OR”. A targeted volume of tissue “T” is shown in sectional view and may represent, for example, a tumor or other abnormality in a human body.

Electrodes 1, 2 and 3 are connected by respective wires or cables 10, 11 and 12 to an electrosurgical generator 16. Electrosurgical generator 16 may be a radiofrequency or high frequency type generator. Electrosurgical generator 16 includes control elements, illustrated by block 17, which may, for example, increase the radiofrequency power output of electrodes 1, 2 and 3, control temperature when electrode array system “E” or satellite sensors (not shown) include temperature sensors, monitor or control impedance, power, current, voltage, or other output parameters. Electrosurgical generator 16 may include a display or screen, illustrated by block 18, within it or as a separate system, for providing a display of heating parameters such as temperature for one or more of electrodes 1, 2 and 3, impedance, power, current, or voltage of the radiofrequency output. Such individual display readings are illustrated by the reference letters R1 . . . RN.

Electrode system “E” further includes a reference electrode 19, which may be placed in contact with the skin of a patient or an external surface of organ “OR” with a connection 20 to electrosurgical generator 16. Reference electrode 19 and connection 20 serves as a path for return current from electrosurgical generator 16 through electrodes 1, 2 and 3.

Each electrode 1, 2 and 3 includes a rigid shaft 1 a, 2 a and 3 a, respectively, which enables electrodes 1, 2 and 3 to be easily urged into the body tissue or organ “OR”. Each electrode 1, 2 and 3 terminates pointed distal tips 1 b, 2 b and 3 b, respectively. A portion of the external surface of each electrode 1, 2 and 3 may be covered with an insulating material, as indicated by hatched line areas in FIG. 1. Distal tips 1 b, 2 b and 3 b are connected, through respective shafts 11 a, 2 a and 3 a to cables 10, 11 and 12, respectively, and thereby to electrosurgical generator 16.

By way of example only and in no way to be considered as limiting, electrosurgical generator 16 may be a radiofrequency generator with frequency between about 100 kilohertz (kHz) to several hundred megahertz (MHz). Additionally, electrosurgical generator 16 may have power output ranging from several watts to several hundred watts, depending on the clinical application.

Electrodes 1, 2 and 3 may be raised to the same radiofrequency voltage potential from electrosurgical generator 16. The array of electrodes thus becomes, in effect, a larger, coherent electrode including the individual electrode tips 1 b, 2 b and 3 b. Thus, the heating effect of the array of electrodes is substantially similar to that achieved by one large single electrode.

As seen in FIG. 1, by way of illustration only, a targeted region to be ablated is represented in sectional view by the line “T”. It is desired to ablate the targeted region “T” by fully engulfing targeted region “T” in a volume of lethal heat elevation. The targeted region “T” may be, for example, a tumor which has been detected by an image scanner 30. For example, CT, MRI, or ultrasonic image scanners may be used, and the image data transferred to a computer 26. As an alternate example, an ultrasonic scanner head 15 may be disposed in contact with organ “OR” to provide an image illustrated by lines 15A. A data processor 36 may be connected to the display devices to visualize targeted region “T” and/or ablation zone in real time during the ablation procedure. A coolant supply 32 may also be integrated into the system via supply 33 to actively cool the electrodes 1, 2 and 3 as needed during the ablation.

An image 21 or graphical illustrations 23 and 24 of the scan may be displayed on display unit 21 to represent the size and position of target region “T”. Placement of electrodes 1, 2 and 3 and relevant activation thereof may be redetermined based on such image data as interactively determined by real-time scanning of organ “OR”. Electrodes 1, 2 and 3 may be inserted into the tissue by freehand technique, by stereotactic frame or frameless guidance or by a needle guide block or introducer 100 with multi-hole templates. The needle guide block 100 includes a reference surface (or reference feature 311—See FIG. 3A) that is oriented in a specific fashion to create a reference surface image such that the ultrasonic scanner head 15 can mate therewith (or be easily oriented with respect thereto) to facilitate placement of the electrodes 1, 2 and 3. In other words, the reference feature (e.g., element 311) interacts with the ultrasonic scanner head 15 and provides a point of reference to the guide block 100 to facilitate positioning of the electrodes 1, 2, and 3. This is particularly useful due to the guide block 100 being selectively bendable or positionable as explained in detailed herein. The electrodes 1, 2 and 3 may be simultaneously or sequentially activated to create an ablation plume. Simultaneous activation would be substantially similar to that achieved by one large single electrode. Alternatively, a single electrode, e.g., electrode 1, may be selectively positioned within a plurality of slots 210 (See FIG. 2A) disposed through the introducer or guide block 100.

An array of electrodes 1, 2 and 3 are connected to the same radiofrequency voltage from electrosurgical generator 16. Accordingly, the array of electrodes 1, 2 and 3 will act as a single, effectively larger electrode. The relative position, orientation and activation sequence or sequencing of electrodes 1, 2 and 3 enable the creation of different shapes and sizes of ablation volumes. For example, in FIG. 1, dashed line 8 represents the ablation isotherm in a sectional view through organ “OR”. Such an ablation isotherm may be that of the surface achieving possible temperatures of approximately 50° C. or greater. At that temperature range, sustained for approximately 30 seconds to approximately several minutes, tissue cells will experience thermal damage. The shape and size of the ablation volume, as illustrated by dashed line 8, may accordingly be controlled by the configuration of the electrode array, electrode sequencing, the geometry of the distal tips 1 b, 2 b and 3 b of electrodes 1, 2 and 3, respectively, the amount of RF power applied, the time duration that the power is applied, cooling of the electrodes, etc.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A-16, various embodiments of the needle guide block 100 are shown for use with the present electrosurgical system of FIG. 1. All of the envisioned needle guide blocks illustrated in FIGS. 2A-16 are designed for use with an electrode system “E” (or similar system, e.g., an antenna system) as described above. Each embodiment of the needle guide block is described in detail below with reference to the various figures and is described to the extent necessary to denote the particular point of novelty of the envisioned embodiment and will only be described in reference to the system “E” as is necessary to accomplish this purpose.

FIGS. 2A-2D show one embodiment of a needle guide block 200 which is selectively bendable or formable around a tumor “T”. More particularly, the guide block 200 includes an elongated, generally rectangular bar 205 that is selectively malleable or bendable to optimally position electrodes 1, 2 and/or 3 around a target site. The bar 205 includes a plurality of slots or holes 210 defined therethrough which are each configured and dimensioned to selectively receive and retain an electrode 1, 2 and/or 3. As best shown in the comparison of FIGS. 2B-2C, the bar 205 is malleable or bendable in the direction of arrows “B” or “B′” from a substantially 90° configuration for partially encircling target tissue “T” (see FIG. 2B) to a partially arcuate configuration (See FIG. 2C) to a substantially straight configuration for treating more elongated target tissue areas “T” (See FIG. 2D). The user may selectively bend the bar 205 in any conceivable configuration to position the electrodes 1, 2 and/or 3 to treat target tissue “T” of having a variety of different shapes and volumes.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show another embodiment of a guide block 300 which includes an elongated, generally rectangular bar 305 which is selectively malleable or bendable to optimally position electrodes 1, 2 and/or 3 around a target site. The bar 305 includes a plurality of angled slots 310 disposed therethrough which are configured to selectively position and retain the electrodes 1, 2 and/or 3 at an angle relative to the target tissue. The slots 310 are disposed at an angle (φ) relative to top and bottom surfaces 307 and 309, respectively, of the bar 305. Disposing the electrodes at an angle relative to the target tissue “T” may enable the surgeon to create smaller and more precise ablation regions by radiating the heat at an angle towards the target tissue “T”.

FIG. 3A shows the slots 310 angling away from the inner periphery and the bar 305 and FIG. 3B shows the slots 310 angling towards the inner periphery of the bar 305. The slots 310 may be disposed at alternating angles relative to the top and bottom surfaces 307 and 309, respectively. In one embodiment the bar 305 may be partially malleable and pre-disposed to have an inner periphery arched in a particular direction with the slots 310 directed toward or away from the inner peripheral arch (as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3A, respectively). However, it is also contemplated that the bar 305 may be fully malleable such that the angle of the slots 310 maybe oriented by bending the bar 305 in a given direction.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show top and side views of another embodiment of a guide block 400 which is segmented to facilitate orientation of the guide block 400 relative to a target tissue “T” to optimize electrode positioning. More particularly, guide block 400 includes a plurality of segments 405 a-405 d which nestingly engage one another to form guide block 400. Each individual segment is rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis A-A defined through the guide block 400. Any number of segments 405 a-405 x may be utilized to suit a particular surgical purpose or to arrange a particular electrode ablation around or relative to a target tissue “T”. Each segment, e.g., segment 405 a, is generally square-like and includes a male interface 415 a and a female interface 420 b which are configured to matingly engage corresponding male and female interfaces 415 b-415 d, 420 b-420 d, respectively of adjacent segments, e.g., 405 b-405 d such that the segments 405 a-405 d may be compiled or assembled to form guide block 400. Each segment 405 a-405 d also includes a slot 410 a-410 d disposed therethrough which is configured to selectively receive and retain an electrode 1, 2 and/or 3 therein for targeting tissue.

Each segment 405 a-405 d may also include a reference surface (or reference feature 411 a-411 d, respectively—See FIG. 4B) that is oriented in a specific fashion to create a reference surface image such that the ultrasonic scanner head 15 can mate therewith (or be easily oriented with respect thereto) to facilitate placement of the electrodes 1, 2 and 3. Reference features 411 a-411 d are configured to interact with the ultrasonic scanner head 15 and provide a point of reference to each respective segment 405 a-405 d to facilitate positioning of the electrodes 1, 2, and 3.

As best shown in FIG. 4A, each segment 405 a-405 d also includes opposing side facets 425 a-425 d, respectively, which are angled at a particular angle alpha (a) relative to a rear surface 417 a-417 d of a prior, adjacent segment 405 a-405 d when nested in series. The relative angle alpha (a) allows each segment 405 a-405 d to bend in a side direction in the direction of arrows “B” or “B′” relative to an adjacent segment 405 a-405 d (and relative to longitudinal axis A-A) to form a variety of block configurations around or relative to a target tissue

FIG. 4B shows a side view of the guide block 400 which includes the same elements as described above with respect to FIG. 4A with the exception that each segment, e.g., segment 405 a, includes opposing top and bottom facets, e.g., facets 430 a. The facets 430 a-430 b on segments 405 a-405 b are angled at an angle beta (β) relative to the rear surface 417 a-417 b of a prior, adjacent segment 405 a-405 b when nested in series. This allows the guide block to flex in a vertical direction “V” or “V′” relative to an adjacent segment 405 a-405 b to match the various anatomical contours surrounding a particular target tissue “T” site.

As can be appreciated, the guide block 400 may be arranged with any number of segments 405 a-405 x which facilitate positioning electrodes around or relative to a target tissue “T” site. For example, the guide bar 400 may be bent to form a circle, partial circle (arc), serpentined (or “S” shaped) or straight depending upon a particular surgical condition. Moreover, the guide bar 400 may be flexed in a vertical direction to match anatomical profiles.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show another embodiment of a guide block 500 very similar to the guide block of FIGS. 4A and 4B with the exception that a pair of needle slots, e.g., needle slots 510 a and 510 a′ are positioned through each segment, e.g., segment 505 a. Each pair, e.g., pair 510 a and 510 a′, 510 b and 510 b′, 510 c and 510 c′ and 510 d and 510 d′ allow more electrodes 1, 2 and/or 3 to be positioned or repositioned within each segment 505 a, 505 b, 505 c and 505 d of guide block 500 thereby creating a different line, shape, plane or plume of treated tissue.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show yet another embodiment of a guide block 600 again very similar to the guide block of FIGS. 4A and 4B with the exception that one or more of the needle slots, e.g., needle slots 610 a-610 d, are angled relative to the top 607 a-607 d and bottom surfaces 609 a-609 d through each respective segment 605 a-605 d. Each respective needle slot, e.g., needle slot 610 a, of each respective segment 605 a may be angled differently from an adjacent slot, e.g., 610 b of another segment 605 b. In another embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the guide bock 700 may include multiple segments 705 a-705 d with slots 710 a-710 d and slot 710 a′-710 d′ wherein each, e.g., slot 710 a, is be angled through the guide block 700 at one angle (e.g., towards one side of the guide block 700 as the slot 710 a transverses from the top surface 707 to the bottom surface 709) and a second slot in each segment, e.g., 710 a′, is angled through the guide block 700 in a mirrored fashion to slot 710 a thereby creating a different line, shape, plane or plume of treated tissue.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show another embodiment according to the present disclosure similar to FIGS. 7A and 7B wherein each segment 805 a-805 d of the guide block 800 includes three slots 810 a-810 d, 810 a′-810 d′ and 810 a″-810 d″, respectively, disposed therethrough for supporting, retaining and/or repositioning three corresponding electrodes 1, 2 and/or 3 (See FIG. 1). Slots 810 a-810 d are disposed at a first angle relative to the top 807 a-807 d and bottom 809 a-809 d surfaces through each segment 805 a-805 d, respectively, slots 810 a′-810 d′ are disposed at a second angle relative to the top 807 a-807 d and bottom 809 a-809 d surfaces through each segment 805 a-805 d, respectively, and slots 810 a″-810 d″ are disposed at a third angle relative to the top 807 a-807 d and bottom 809 a-809 d surfaces through each segment 805 a-805 d, respectively. One or more of the slots 810 a-810 d may be disposed at a normal orientation relative to the top 807 a-807 d and bottom 809 a-809 d surfaces.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show another embodiment of a guide block 900 according to the present disclosure similar to the nested embodiments of FIGS. 4A-8B wherein a locking clip 925 is utilized to provide mechanical engagement of two adjacent segments, e.g., segments 905 a and 905 b. More particularly, each segment, e.g., 905 a, is dimensioned to include a first mechanical interface, e.g., a male interface 915 a, and a second mechanical interface, e.g., a female interface 920 a. The second or female interface 920 a of a segment 905 a is designed to mechanically receive the male interface 915 b of segment 905 b. The locking clip 925 is configured as a generally C-shaped clip which is dimensioned to engage and lock the male interface 915 b within the female interface 920 a of two adjacent segments 905 a and 905 b. Each nested and adjacent pair would include a locking clip 925 to securely engage the two segments in nested series.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show yet another embodiment of a guide block 1000 according to the present disclosure which includes a nested arrangement of segments 1005 a-1005 c having interlocking mechanical interfaces. More particularly, each segment, e.g., segment 1005 b, includes a first angled side face of facet 1026 a having a first angle α1 relative to the rear surface 1017 a of a distally adjacent segment 1005 a and a second angled side face of facet 1026 b having a second angle α2 relative to the rear surface 1017 a of a distally adjacent segment 1005 a. This arrangement of angles allows the guide block 1000 a particular range of movement in a transverse direction depending upon the bend direction “B” or “B′” of the guide block 1000. FIG. 10B shows a similar arrangement wherein the top and bottom facets 1033 a and 1033 b, respectively, of segment 1005 b include different angles β1 and β2 relative to the rear surface 1017 a of segment 1005 a. This arrangement of angles allows the guide block 1000 a particular range of movement in a vertical direction depending upon the bend direction “V” or “V′” of the guide block 1000.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show still another embodiment of a guide block 1100 according to the present disclosure which includes a friction-fit mechanical interface between nested segments 1105 a-1105 c. More particularly, each segment, e.g., segment 1105 a, includes female interface 1120 a which is dimensioned to frictionally engage a corresponding male interface 1145 b of a proximally adjacent segment 1105 b. The friction-fit may be two-dimensional in nature, i.e., the mechanical interfaces 1145 b and 1120 a are frictionally engaged on two opposing sides like a cuff-like arrangement, e.g., as shown in FIG. 11B, or three dimensional wherein the two mechanical interfaces 1145 b and 1120 a are frictionally engaged on all sides like a friction-fit ball and socket arrangement (See FIG. 11C). The other male and female mechanical interfaces, namely, interfaces 1145 c and 1120 b, may be configured to engage in a similar fashion or in a different manner (e.g., as described above) depending upon a particular purpose.

FIGS. 11D-11G show yet another embodiment of a guide block that includes a friction-fit locking system 1130 which is operable to lock the guide block 1100 in a given orientation to facilitate positioning and placement of electrode 112 and 3. More particularly, friction-fit locking system 1130 includes a toggle-like lever 1138 that is secured at a remote end 1134 by a cable 1132 disposed through a channel 1136 define in the guide block 1100. The lever 1138 is operable from a first orientation (See FIG. 11D) which allows free positioning and angling of the nested guide segments 1105 a-1105 c as explained above to a second orientation (See FIG. 11E) that tensions the cable 1132 and secures the nested segments 1105 a-1105 c relative to one another at a desired angled orientation.

FIGS. 11F-11G show an alternate tensioning system 1130′ which utilizes a screw member 1138′ to secure the segments 1105 a-1105 c relative to one another in a desired orientation. More particularly, the screw member 1138′ is rotatable from a first orientation (See FIG. 11G) which allows the segments 1105 a-1105 c to be freely manipulatable relative to one another to orient the guide block 1100 for positioning of the electrodes 1, 2, and 3 to a subsequent position (Shown in FIG. 11F) which tensions the cable 1132′ to lock the nested segments 1105 a-1105 c relative to one another at a desired angled orientation.

FIG. 12 shows yet another embodiment of a guide block 1200 according to the present disclosure which includes a generally rectilinear, elongated bar 1205 having a series of slots 1210 disposed therethrough configured to selectively receive and retain a corresponding series of electrodes 1, 2 and/3 (See FIG. 1) therein for ablating tissue. More particularly, the rectilinear bar 1205 includes top and bottom surfaces 1220 and 1225, respectively, which include the series of slots 1210 disposed therebetween that support the electrodes 1, 2 and/or 3 for sequential or simultaneous activation depending upon a particular surgical purpose. The bar 1205 in this instance may be malleable (or bendable) along one or more planes or may be rigid and include a pre-formed configuration from substantially straight to substantially curved.

The bar 1205 is configured to act as a return electrode and includes at least one portion, e.g., bottom surface 1225, which is electrically conductive and engages a tissue surface. During activation, the bottom surface carries the return potential back to an electrosurgical generator 1500 via cable 1510. Each slot 1210 includes a dielectric material 1215 disposed along the inner periphery thereof which isolates the electrodes 1, 2 and 3 and the remaining portions of bar 1205 from the bottom surface 1225 (or other conductive portions) during activation.

In one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 13, the bottom surface 1325 of guide block 1300 may be configured to act as a heat sink to dissipate heat during activation of the electrodes 1, 2 and/or 3 (See FIG. 1). In this instance a portion of the bar 1305, e.g., bottom surface 1325, may be made from a thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive material. The thermally conductive bottom surface 1325 is designed to effectively absorb or thermally dissipate the heat during electrosurgical activation and generally restrict heat travel beyond intended target tissue areas. In other words, the material acts like a “heat sink” to limit thermal damage to surrounding tissue. The thermally conductive bottom surface 1325 is also electrically non-conductive which also restricts current concentrations to intended tissue areas.

The thermally conductive bottom surface 1325 may be made from a material having a high thermal conductivity value or “k” value and minimum electrical conductively, e.g., anodized aluminum. Alternatively, the thermally conductive surface 1325 may be made from or combined with a semi-resilient or elastomeric material to correspond to the malleability of the bar 1305 and top surface 1320. Examples of thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive materials which can be utilized to minimize thermal damage to surrounding tissue include, but are not limited to: thermally conductive plastic materials which dissipate heat along a preferred isothermal profile to the surrounding environment resulting in a lower maximum temperature and reduced formation of hot spots. Examples of such materials are commonly sold under the trademark CoolPoly® by Cool Polymers, Inc., of Rhode Island and composite materials such as ALO₂.

In yet another embodiment, a thermally conductive system may be used with a guide block 1400 and act as an active cooling system that surrounds a portion, e.g., bottom surface 1425, of bar 1405 to reduce heat dissipation to surrounding tissue. More particularly, a series of ducts or tubes 1434 (shown in phantom) may be disposed through bar 1405 proximate the bottom tissue engaging surface 1425 which supply active cooling liquid (preferably, non-electrically conductive cooling liquid) or gas (e.g., air) to a series of nozzles or ports 1435 a and 1435 b located adjacent the bottom surface 1425 of the bar 1405. The system supplies coolant (liquid or gas (e.g., air)) to the tissue areas adjacent the ablation site to actively cool the tissue during activation which reduces thermal spread.

In yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure, the guide block 1600 includes a rectilinear guide bar 1605 having a bottom surface 1625 which engages tissue and a series of fin-like extensions 1627 a-1627 f which extend laterally from each side therefrom which are configured to absorb or dissipate heat emanating from the ablation site. The fins 1627 a-1627 f may be shaped and dimensioned to facilitate manufacturing, assembly and manipulability relative to the target tissue site. Ideally, two fins, e.g., fins 1627 a and 1627 b, are disposed on either side of an electrode slot to maximize heat dissipation during activation. The fins 1627 a-1627 f may also enhance stability of the guide block 1600 during a given surgical procedure.

In still another embodiment according to the present disclosure, the guide block 1700 may be configured to connect to a smart type generator 1500 which includes additional features designed to enhance or facilitate the ablation process. For example, the generator 1500 may include an audio feedback sensor 1715 (or the like) which provides real time feedback to the generator 1500 relating to the ablation progress and may provide auditory or visual signals to the surgeon relating to an “ABLATE ON”, “ABLATE OFF” or “OKAY TO REPOSITION” status relating to one or more of the electrodes 1, 2 and/or 3. The generator 1500 may also include an algorithm which provides the user with a timer countdown for re-activation of one or more electrodes 1, 2 and/or 3 after an “OFF” period. The timer countdown algorithm may be selectively programmable, automatic or manual and may be activated upon repositioning of one or more electrodes 1, 2 and/or 3.

Moreover the generator 1500 may include an adaptive baseline algorithm which automatically resets the impedance baseline relative to an impedance threshold or “time out” value or condition after each ablation cycle. Still further, the generator 1500 may include a variable tone or visual signal algorithm which tracks the impedance in the tissue as the impedance changes from low to high to completed cycle.

The present disclosure also relates to a method for positioning a guide block, e.g., guide blocks 200-1400,1600 and 1700, relative to a target site for ablation, the method includes the initial step of providing a guide block, e.g., guide blocks 200-1400,1600 and 1700, including a series of slots defined therethrough for selectively receiving and positioning electrodes therein. The method also includes the steps of: placing at least one electrode, e.g., electrode 1, into one of the needle slots in the guide block e.g., slot 210 and guide block 200; using an image scanner 30 to orient the angle of the electrode 1 relative to the target tissue; manipulating the guide block 200 transversally and/or vertically to orient the guide block 200 relative to the target tissue and preferred resection plane; inserting additional electrodes 2 and 3 into the guide block 200 along preferred resection line; activating one or more electrodes 1,2 and/or 3 either sequentially or simultaneously to ablate tissue; resecting tissue along the resection line. Alternatively, one or more electrodes 1, 2 and/or 3 may be repositioned into remaining slots 210 after each ablation cycle to form the resecting line.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. For example, it should be understood that variations in the choice of electrical output parameters from the electrosurgical generator, to control or monitor the electrode array ablation process, may vary widely depending on the operator's experience, technique, or preference. For example, in the embodiments above, a common RF voltage is applied to all of the electrodes of the array simultaneously. As an alternate embodiment, in accordance with the present disclosure, the clinician may choose to control the RF current to the individual electrodes of the array or the total current of the array as a whole. Voltage variations on each electrode could be applied to achieve constant current output from each electrode. Alternatively, constant power output from each electrode may be sought in some clinical settings. Voltage variations or phases between electrodes may be implemented to achieve desired temperature distribution in the tissue as monitored by temperature sensors in the tissue or by visualization of temperature distribution using thermally sensitive MRI scanning, for example. Accordingly, the choice of electrical output type, sequence, and levels and the distribution of the electrodes of the array should be considered to have wide variations within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the various guides contemplated herein may be configured and sized for implementation with various types of electrosurgical devices such as microwave, ultrasonic, cryopreservation, radiofrequency, etc.

While various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above descriptions should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed:
 1. A guide block for introducing electrodes into target tissue, comprising: an elongated, generally rectilinear bar including: a top surface; a bottom surface; and a plurality of slots defined therethrough, each of the plurality of slots configured to selectively receive and retain a corresponding electrode therein, the plurality of slots including a first plurality of slots disposed at a first angle relative to the top and bottom surfaces and a second plurality of slots disposed at a second angle relative to the top and bottom surfaces, the elongated, generally rectilinear bar malleable and selectively bendable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially curved configuration to facilitate positioning of the guide block relative to target tissue; and a reference feature disposed on the elongated, generally rectilinear bar and positioned relative to the plurality of slots, the reference feature configured to provide a point of reference of the guide block with respect to an ultrasonic scanner head, the point of reference configured to facilitate an orientation of the ultrasonic scanner head with respect to the guide block and a positioning of the plurality of slots defined through the elongated, generally rectilinear bar with respect to the target tissue, wherein the first and second plurality of slots are angled away from each other with respect to the top and bottom surfaces, and are disposed at alternating angles relative to the top and bottom surfaces along the length of the elongated, generally rectilinear bar.
 2. The guide block according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of slots is adapted to receive an electrode therein, wherein distal tips of at least two of the electrodes are angled away from each other.
 3. A guide block system utilizing the guide block according to claim 1, the guide block system including: at least one electrode selectively repositionable within the plurality of slots and sequentially activatable to create an ablation plume.
 4. The guide block according to claim 1, wherein the first plurality of slots angle away from an inner peripheral arch of the elongated, generally rectilinear bar with respect to the top and bottom surfaces, and the second plurality of slots angle toward the inner peripheral arch with respect to the top and bottom surfaces.
 5. The guide block according to claim 1, wherein the reference feature is disposed on the bottom surface of the elongated, generally rectilinear bar between a first slot of the plurality of slots and a second slot of the plurality of slots, the second slot adjacent the first slot. 